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Consumer Information: How to Avoid Medical Malpractice


  • Be involved in your health care. Take part in every decision on your behalf.

  • Make sure all of your doctors know everything you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbs.

  • Inform your doctors of any allergies or adverse reactions to medication.

  • If you get a prescription, make sure you can read it and understand what it is for.

  • Make sure that when you pick up your prescription from the pharmacy, it is what your doctor prescribed.
  • If you have questions, ask.

  • Be sure you have written information about the side effects your medicine could cause.

  • If you have a choice, choose a hospital at which many patients have had the procedure or surgery you need.

  • Make sure health care workers who have direct contact with you have washed their hands.

  • When you are discharged, ask your doctor to explain the treatment plan you will use at home.

  • If you’re scheduled for surgery, make sure that you, your doctor and your surgeon are all clear on exactly what will be done.

  • Ask a family member or friend to come to the doctor’s office or hospital with you, to get things done or speak up for you if you can’t.

  • If you have a test, make sure you get the results.

    Consumer resources

  • Mayo Clinic - http://www.mayoclinic.com/

  • National Institutes of Health – MedLine Pluss - http://health.nih.gov/

  • WebMD - http://www.webmd.com/

  • healthfinder® - Provides a gateway to reliable consumer health information from the Federal Government and other organizations. http://www.healthfinder.gov/

  • Partner with Physician for Best Surgical Outcome – AAOS --
    http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/category.cfm

  • Tips for Patients to Prevent Wrong Site Surgery - JCAHO
    www.jcaho.org/general+public/

  • Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before You Have Surgery - AHRQ
    http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/surgery/surgery.htm

    For more information, please see the following related page on our website:
    Medical Malpractice
     
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